Natural Science M.S. Middle-Level Science Concentration (MSC)

SMTC Student Learner Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the MS degree program in Natural Science, a student will be able to:

• Engage in teacher research to transform STEM instruction:

  - Design and implement a research project that asks and answers a question using appropriate materials, concepts and methods, and ethical practices, and
  - Effectively communicate all aspects of the research project in both oral and written forms.

• Use professional and academic standards to ensure high-quality interdisciplinary instruction (i.e., place-based, culturally relevant, and/or social justice pedagogy) to maximize learning for all students.

• Engage in mathematical and/or scientific discourse and scientific thinking as active participants in communities of practice.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

For the MS-Natural Science Master’s Degrees (with concentrations in MSC and MMA) and the MST:

Two years of teaching experience and a valid teaching license (required for MSC and MMA; may be waived for MST and MS-Natural Science)

Application Fee

Official Transcripts from all Institutions attended and Bachelor Degree conferring institution

3.0 undergraduate grade point average; provisional admission with a lesser GPA only with consent from Academic Affairs

GRE (minimum 292 score) or an Alternative Portfolio including evidence that supports the potential success of the candidate as a graduate student and a document that interprets the evidence (These items are not required of applicants who hold a prior master’s degree)

Writing Sample in response to three provided questions

Resume

Three Letters of Recommendation including a letter from the teacher’s principal or an employers and two other colleagues.

Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships

Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships

The SMTC often has scholarships and graduate assistantships available for graduates accepted for the above Master’s degree programs. More information upon admission and acceptance.

For the Master of Science in Natural Science Master’s Degrees

Plan B (non-thesis)

• 30 Credit Hours of graduate-level coursework is required in all of the programs.  This includes 24 credit hours in required coursework depending on the program plus 6 credit hours of additional coursework that may include a research class, Plan B independent research and an elective.
• The Middle Level Science (MSC) concentration is a 3-year program, for the required coursework, in the summers only on UW’s main campus. Courses are offered on a 3-year rotation cycle; students may enter the program in any year. 
• The Middle Level Math (MMA) concentration is a 2-year program with classes offered virtually in the fall and spring and in-person on the main campus in the summer, for the required courses. Students may enter the program in any semester. 
• The Natural Science Education (NED) concentration is a 2-year program with classes offered in the graduate program at the Teton Science Schools in Jackson, WY, in year 1, and additional classes offered at the UW main campus in year 2. 
• The MST (Master’s of Science in Teaching) and the MS- Natural Science Master’s Degrees are Main campus degrees. They are self-directed master’s degree programs designed individually based on the student’s interests and needs. 
• All students must complete and defend a Plan B research project. 
• A Plan A (thesis) may be completed with an extra year of research.

NOTE: Middle-Level Science & Middle-Level Mathematics; 24 credit hours in the core courses are required for institutional recommendation for WY middle-level endorsement from the Professional Teaching Standards Board, PTSB.

NOTE: *NASC 5810 Middle-Level Science and Mathematics 3 credit hour course Practica (required course for teachers without previous coursework or experience teaching middle-level students. Offered spring semester in even years only).

Core Courses

The MSC Core Courses are only offered in the summer. The program is on a three-year rotation where four weeks of coursework are offered in June. Courses use interdisciplinary and relevant problems drawn from physical, life, and Earth sciences to explore instructional strategies and research.

Physical Sciences Rotation (2024, 2027)

• EE 4800 - Problems in _____ Credits: 1-6
• NASC 5110 - Physical Science in Global Context, MSC Credits: 3
• NASC 5510 - Integrated Instructional Strategies, MSC Credits: 2
• NASC 5600 - Mathematics and Statistics in Science Teaching, MSC Credits: 2

Eath Sciences Rotation (2025, 2028)

• ASTR 4000 - Astronomy for Teachers Credits: 1‑5

• (2 credits required)

• NASC 5120 - Earth Science in Global Context, MSC Credits: 3
• NASC 5300 - Classroom Assessment in Middle-level Science, MSC Credits: 2
• NASC 5400 - Spatial Data Instructional Technology Credits: 1

Life Sciences Rotation (2026, 2029)

• BOT 4790 - Special Topics in Ecology Credits: 1‑3
• ENTO 5601 - Insects for Teachers: Collection and Identification of Insects Credits: 1
• NASC 5130 - Life Science in Global Context, MSC Credits: 3
• NASC 5660 - Standards, Pedagogy and Research Credits: 2
• SOC 4890 - Special Topics in Credits: 1‑3

Suggested Courses

• NASC 5670 - Research Methodology Credits: 4

• (offered synchronously on-line during the fall semesters after school hours)

• NASC 5810 - ML Science & Math Practicum Credits: 3 (required for teachers who are not currently teaching middle level science/math; 3 credits) is offered online synchronously in the spring semester of even years (2024, 2026, 2028, etc.)